Audible reactive target

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a bullet target having a front bullet-resistant impact panel with at least one target aperture therein and a rear bullet-resistant impact panel having a portion aligned with the aperture such that a bullet passing through the aperture will strike the portion. The portion produces a first audible response upon impact of a bullet therewith and the first audible response is distinguishable from any other audible response produced by the front panel upon impact by another bullet. Also disclosed is a method of signifying impact of a bullet with one of the two target panels. A bullet projected through the aperture onto the second panel produces a first audible response and projecting another bullet onto the first panel produces a second audible response differing from said first audible response. A different score may be assigned to each of the first and second audible responses.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/338,200, filed May 18, 2016, and incorporates the same herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to targets shot with projectiles, such as firearms. More particularly, it relates to a target that provides audible feedback indicating a target strike to one of two or more discrete target zones.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are many types of shooting targets available for firearms. Paper and cardboard targets are commonly used for training, competition and firearms qualifications. Paper and cardboard targets can be divided into different zones and each zone can be assigned a value for scoring purposes. Shots within the bullseye, for example, can be assigned a maximum value and shots outside the bullseye can be assigned lower values.

Scoring paper and cardboard targets is typically a manual process. The shooter, instructor or range officer must go down range or retrieve the target to count the hits and score the target. The holes in the target must then be individually repaired (covered) so the score can be accurately calculated for the next shooter. Paper and cardboard targets must be replaced frequently as the integrity of the target becomes compromised and the holes become too large to repair.

Steel targets are a popular and common alternative to paper targets. Shooters enjoy the audible “plink” or “ring” that is provided when shooting steel. Steel targets constructed of properly hardened material can last hundreds of thousands of rounds and are much more durable and cost effective than other types of disposable targets. Steel targets are not typically segmented into different scoring zones. They only audibly indicate “hits” and “misses” rather than distinguishing or assigning a point value to hits on a particular area of the target.

Some steel targets do include different zones within the perimeter of the target. These targets typically have a front plate with cutouts to indicate the individual zones and hinged back panels behind the front plate that open or move when struck with a bullet. These hinged panels sometimes return to the closed position by means of a spring or, depending on their orientation, by gravity. Other designs are hinged so the panel moves to an alternate position and remains there until it is shot again. The second shot would be required to return the panel to the original position.

Although these targets provide the durability of steel and multiple zones of paper, there are several disadvantages to this design. For example, these hinged panels react differently depending on where the bullet strikes the panel. Hits close to the hinged edge will only slightly move the panel. Hits on the outer edge (opposite the hinge) will often swing the panel with much greater velocity. Gravity reset panels that are struck in this region often swing so quickly they hit their stopping point and return to the original position too fast to register the movement. This is especially difficult for the shooter to see because it occurs at the same time they are managing the recoil of the firearm. Also, hits on the front plate near the edge of the cutout will transfer the energy to the panel making it move even though the panel didn't take a direct hit. It is therefore difficult to reliably distinguish between hits misses inside the scoring zones.

Another problem with these types of targets relates to formation of bad training habits. In tactical and competition shooting, it is important to put as many rounds accurately on target as quickly as possible. The moving hinged panels are not conducive to this type of training because shooters are subconsciously being conditioned to delay their shots until the moving panel returns to the home position.

SUMMARY

The present invention provides a bullet target having a front bullet-resistant impact panel with at least one target aperture therein and a rear bullet-resistant impact panel having a portion aligned with the aperture such that a bullet passing through the aperture will strike the exposed portion of the rear impact panel. The rear impact panel produces a first audible response upon impact of a bullet therewith and the first audible response is distinguishable from any other audible response produced by the front panel upon impact by another bullet.

The invention also provides a method of signifying engagement of a bullet with one of two bullet-resistant target panels. A first of the panels has an aperture and a second of the panels is aligned with the aperture. The method includes the steps of projecting a bullet through the aperture onto the second panel to produce a first audible response and projecting another bullet onto the first panel to produce a second audible response differing from the first audible response. A different score may be assigned to each of the first and second audible responses.

The embodied design provides the durability and feedback of a steel target with zones that can be reliably and accurately scored much more quickly than paper targets. Because the scoring zones are in a fixed position, shooters can engage the target with multiple shots fired as quickly and accurately as possible. Bad habits are not developed by the shooter because the scoring zones remain in a position where they can be struck at all times.

Other aspects, features, benefits, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to a person of skill in the art from the detailed description of various embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, all of which comprise part of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Like reference numerals are used to indicate like parts throughout the various figures of the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an isometric rear view of a target according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 2 is a front elevation view thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to the drawing figures, this section describes particular embodiments and their detailed construction and operation. Throughout the specification, reference to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or “some embodiments” means that a particular described feature, structure, or characteristic may be included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” or “in some embodiments” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the described features, structures, and characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In view of the disclosure herein, those skilled in the art will recognize that the various embodiments can be practiced without one or more of the specific details or with other methods, components, materials, or the like. In some instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or not described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the embodiments.

Referring now to the drawing figures, therein is shown at 10 an audible reactive target according to one embodiment of the present invention. The target 10 includes a front panel 12 made of bullet-resistant, hardened steel and including one or more window of apertures 14,16 formed therein. Situated behind the front panel 12 is a rear harmonic panel 18 also made of bullet-resistant hardened steel and situated so that portions of the panel 18 are lined the apertures 14, 16 in the front panel 12. The panels 12,18 are supported in a spaced relationship so that the rear harmonic panel 18 can resonate when struck by a bullet. In preferred form, the rear harmonic panel 18 does not extend laterally beyond the profile of the front panel 12 so that a bullet impacting the rear panel 18 will by necessity have passed through one of the apertures 14, 16 in the front panel 12.

The front and rear panels 12, 18 may be independently supported or, as shown, the rear harmonic panel 18 may be supported by the front panel 12 in the illustrated embodiment, the front panel 12 is supported by an upright post 20 above the ground at a selected height. The rear harmonic panel 18, shaped and supported so that it will produce a resonant “ring” when struck by a bullet. This arrangement of the front and rear panels 12, 18 allows the target 10 to provide at least two distinct scoring zones. One scoring zone would be a bullet strike anywhere on the front surface of the front panel 12 and a second scoring zone would be an impact against the rear harmonic panel 18 of a bullet that has passed through one of the apertures 1, 16. Bullet strikes in either of the scoring zones produces an audible response that is distinct form that of the other scoring zone.

To enhance the distinction between the scoring zones, the rear harmonic panel 18 may be supported at harmonic node points so as to enhance the resonance vibration resulting from a bullet strike. Additionally, one or more tuning fork tines 22 may extend from the rear panel 18 to further enhance its resonance and/or to produce a resonant tone at one or more pre-selected frequencies.

The rear harmonic panel 18 may be supported by the front panel 12 at a spaced apart position, such as by carriage bolts 24 and nuts 26 with a heavy compression spring 28 acting as a spacer between the panels 12, 18. Amplitude or frequency of audible feedback provided by resonance of the rear panel 18 may be adjusted by tightening or loosening the nuts 26, thereby changing the compressive force of the springs 28.

The front panel 12 may be cut, for example, from ⅜ inch AR-500 hardened steel. The rear harmonic panel 18 may be made from quarter inch material of the same type, for example.

A cap 21 may be provided on the support post 20 to shield the top of the post 20 from bullet fragments.

Although the illustrated embodiment includes only one harmonic plate, it is possible to include multiple independent harmonic plates to represent different scoring zones. For example, the smaller scoring zone at the top of the target and the larger scoring zone at the bottom of the target could utilize two independent harmonic plates supported behind the front plate. The sound of each plate can be made distinct by changing the panel size, panel thickness, material type, connection location, spring size, compression, etc.

The target could also be designed so the first harmonic plate included a cutout scoring zone and a second harmonic plate (not shown) was mounted behind the first harmonic plate, creating a third scoring zone. In such an embodiment, it would be preferred that a bullet impact with the second harmonic plate produce a sound distinct from that of the first harmonic plate (and, of course, distinct from that of the front static plate).

Modifications to the compression springs represent one option for modifying the sound of the harmonic plate. Other options include changing the size and shape of the tuning forks, changing the material thickness of the plates, and modifying the mounting positions of the hardware. Optionally, the front panel can be damped to produce a contrasting “dead” sound or “plink” (rather than a “ring”), such as by placing connections at harmonic antinode locations and/or by adding material to it that interferes with resonant vibrations.

One alternate design utilizes a metal post (not shown) in place of the wood upright post. In this configuration, rubber vibration dampening mounts (not shown) can be used between the front static plate and the metal post. This helps reduce the vibration and sound generated when the outer static plate is struck, making it easier to distinguish between hits inside and outside the smaller scoring zones. Other designs could utilize a four-leg or tripod type base in place of the ground stake assembly.

In use, when a bullet passes through an aperture and strikes the harmonic plate, it produces an audible response that is distinct from that produced when a bullet strikes the front panel. A different score may be assigned to each of the first and second audible responses.

Advanced applications of this invention can utilize this target system in conjunction with a sound recognition and registering device. Sound recognition software can be programmed to distinguish between bullet strikes inside and outside the various scoring zones. Custom software can be programmed to include shot timers and specific courses of fire for competition shooting, personal training, law enforcement qualifications, and other shooting events. By use of a simple processor and microphone, such software can be used to automatically score the shooter's performance and display statistics regarding their accuracy and time through the course of fire.

Simple, inexpensive smart phone and tablet applications also can be programmed to perform these functions. The device's built in microphone can be used to record and recognize hits on different zones of the target and misses (a gunshot sound not followed by the sound of bullet impact with any zone of the target. The software can also store, track, and share shooting performance results.

Commercially available, off-the-shelf software is also available that is usable or adaptable to recognize the sound of the distinct target strikes. MyEarDroid™ (http://technalia.com) is an Android™ operating system application (app) which identifies specific sounds in the home environment and alerts an observer that the events that produced them have occurred by vibration and visual notifications. OtoSense™ (http://otosense.com) is an iPhone™/iPad™ (iOS operating system) application that will recognize a specific, preselected sound and translate it into a customizable visual alert. The app launches with a native library of general sounds, but the user can record unique sounds, in this case the sound of a projectile striking either panel of a target. The app can learn the pattern of a specific sound, a bullet strike, for example, and alert the user accordingly.

While one or more embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it should be apparent that modifications and variations thereto are possible, all of which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the foregoing is intended only to be illustrative of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not intended to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described. Accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be included and considered to fall within the scope of the invention, defined by the following claim or claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A bullet target comprising: a front bullet-resistant impact panel having at least one target aperture therein; a rear bullet-resistant impact panel having a portion aligned with the aperture such that a bullet passing through the aperture will strike the portion; the portion producing a first audible response upon impact of a bullet therewith; and said first audible response being distinguishable from any other audible response produced upon impact by another bullet to the front panel.
 2. The target of claim 1, further including at least one tuning fork prong extending from the rear panel.
 3. The target of claim 1, wherein the rear panel is attached to said front panel.
 4. The target of claim 3 including springs positioned between the panels.
 5. The target of claim 3, wherein the rear panel is attached at a harmonic node of the rear panel.
 6. The target of claim 1, wherein the front panel is damped.
 7. A method of signifying engagement of a bullet with one of two bullet-resistant target panels with a first of the panels having an aperture and a second of the panels aligned with the aperture, the method including the steps of: projecting a bullet through the aperture onto the second panel to produce a first audible response; and projecting another bullet onto the first panel to produce a second audible response differing from the first audible response.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein a different score is assigned to each of the first and second audible responses. 